Optimizing Career Fair Time Allocation

Here’s exactly how to stand out from the crowd at a Career Fair. Career fairs are golden opportunities to connect with recruiters, explore job prospects, and make lasting impressions. Walking in unprepared? That’s a missed opportunity. Below is a mini-guide to help you maximize your time and network effectively:     Before the Fair: Preparation is Key 🔑   1 - Know the Employers ⭐ Check the list of attending employers, prioritize those that align with your career goals, and research their mission, values, and open positions on their websites. ⭐ Gain insights into the industries represented at the fair to tailor your conversations.   2 - Polish Your Resume ⭐ Print multiple copies of your resume to hand out to different employers. ⭐ Ensure your resume is tailored to highlight relevant skills and experiences, customizing it for the employers you plan to approach.   3 - Craft Your Elevator Pitch ⭐ Develop a concise 30-second pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. ⭐ Rehearse your pitch until you feel confident and natural. 4 - Prepare Smart Questions ⭐ Prepare insightful questions about company culture, growth opportunities, or specific roles. ⭐ Make sure not to ask questions that can easily be researched online.     During the Fair: Make an Impact 🚀 1 - Dress Professionally ⭐ First impressions count, so choose professional attire that reflects industry standards and ensures a polished, clean look.   2 – Engage with Employers ⭐ Be confident and approachable with a firm handshake, enthusiasm, and engaging questions. ⭐ Engage with multiple employers to expand your network. Even if a company isn’t your top choice, it may lead to unexpected opportunities.   3 - Take Notes ⭐ Jot down key points from your conversations for personalized follow-ups.     After the Fair: Strengthen Connections 📩   1 - Follow Up Promptly ⭐ Send a thank-you email within 24-48 hours, referencing key points from your conversation and reiterating your interest in the company.   2 - Connect on LinkedIn ⭐ Personalize your connection request with a brief reminder of where you met.   3 - Stay in Touch ⭐Keep the conversation going by following up on job opportunities or informational interviews. 4 - Reflect and Improve ⭐ Reflect on what went well and areas for improvement, then adjust your approach for future events. Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just collecting business cards. Approach career fairs with curiosity, professionalism, and a game plan! Are you attending any career fairs soon? What’s your go-to networking strategy? 👇 #CareerFair #Networking #JobSearch

Career fairs are overwhelming if you do not have a plan So have a plan! Start by selecting five employers you are most interested in You should approach employers outside of these five at the career fair However, you should invest your prep time in five (or four or six) Follow these five steps to maximize your time with these employers at the career fair 1. Research the employers + Company website + Research services - leverage your school librarians who can help with services like Factiva and ABI/INFORM Complete + YouTube and other video platforms + Current & former employees on LinkedIn 2. Prep a 30-second introduction + Name, year, major + Activity or internship you just completed or is current + What you are looking for in a role + Why you are interested in them (based on your research) 3. Capture what they are recruiting for + Roles + Responsibilities + Locations + Timing 4. Record who to follow up with and additional events + Scheduled info sessions + Scheduled coffee chats + Recruiters + Alumni at the employer + Additional contacts they suggest 5. Follow up with the "Thank You" note + Remind them of your interest in them! Executing a career fair plan to maximize your time will increase your focus and provide a confidence boost #ScottTips Driving Forward

“Career Fairs Are a Waste of Time! All You Get Is a Free Pen and Some Coffee!” I get it, it’s easy to feel that way. We’ve all been there, leaving with a handful of goodies but no job offer. But remember what Richard L. Evans said: “Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” In reality, every step counts, and career fairs are no exception. They’re more than just networking events; they’re opportunities to make an impression, expand your network, and show up prepared. You can absolutely walk away with something valuable if you approach it right. Here are some tips to make your next career fair worthwhile: 1. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Know who will be there, and prioritize the ones aligned with your career goals. Look up their open roles and understand what they’re looking for. 2. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡: Be ready to introduce yourself concisely and highlight your skills. What makes you unique? Why would you be an asset to them? 3. 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬: Customize your resume to highlight skills relevant to the companies you’re interested in. You want recruiters to remember you and see you as a serious candidate. 4. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Instead of just asking about roles, ask about company culture, the day-to-day, and upcoming projects. Show genuine interest in what they’re doing. 5. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩: Don’t just collect business cards; send a follow-up email to reinforce your interest and thank them for their time. This keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism. Attending a career fair is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s what you do before, during, and after that truly counts. Every step you take moves you closer to where you want to be. Make it count! All the best, may Allah ease our journey. Ameen. -FA-